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The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown

PostPosted: November 30th, 2009, 4:53 pm
by Rick Rhodes
Read it? Liked it? Didn't like it? What would you have done differently?

Re: The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown

PostPosted: December 1st, 2009, 4:25 pm
by CaptBat
I guess I should preface by saying that I'm not a big Dan Brown fan. I thought ANGELS AND DEMONS was an interesting read, but I was not a big fan of DA VINCI CODE.

That being said, THE LOST SYMBOL is basically a rehash of DA VINCI CODE set in Washington. I'm a fan of Mason conspiracy theories, and the book started out well. More than that, it actually held my interest into about 3/4 of the way through. At that point, the story began to bore me -- but I felt compelled to finish it.

My review: Don't waste your time.

With the rich history of Mason conspiracy theories, I expected something far more exciting. As with DA VINCI CODE, it was merely a series of "find a clue," "go to a new location," "find a clue," "go to a new location," etc. ad nauseum (with some violence thrown in to relieve the tedium.

Brown spends a great time trying to convince the reader that the Masons are not bad guys. (???) Where's the fun in that? The great death trap escape was stolen from a classic sci-fi movie, and Brown makes no attempt to conceal it. He even names the movie.

The last couple of chapters were a rambling explanation of what I can only assume is Brown's personal theology. It would have been best left for the post-publication personal interviews.

And that's about it. If you're looking for a fascinating thriller to read, this is not it. If you loved DA VINCI CODE, then you'll enjoy it. If DA VINCI left you cold, then THE LOST SYMBOL will too.

Re: The Lost Symbol - Dan Brown

PostPosted: December 1st, 2009, 6:43 pm
by Rick Rhodes
Good Points. I liked it, but haven't had a ton of exposure to other books in this style. As time goes on and I read a larger variety, I'm sure my thoughts/opinions will change on some things.